Why Climate Change is Causing A Public Health Emergency

In addition to floods, droughts, wildfires, monster storms, and a host of other problems, climate change is responsible for a looming public health emergency. New England Journal of Medicine, World Health Organization, United Nations, National Institutes of Environmental Health, and American Public Health Association are all sounding the alarm.

Scientific evidence from the US Global Change Research Program’s fourth National Climate Assessment shows climate change presents the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. The study details multiple ways global health has already been impacted by climate change. Health-related climate change issues will not be limited to developing countries. We will all be affected.

Causes of climate change health problems

Here are seven ways we know climate change is already harming our health and will continue to grow worse:

Temperature, sea level rise, and precipitation pattern changes increase the number and spread of vectors and pathogens they transmit. Why? Seasons are longer and more conducive to insect population growth. Changes in weather patterns and seasons also allow insects to extend their range.

Permafrost soils frozen for thousands of years are melting and releasing ancient viruses and bacteria. Anthrax is one pathogen that has been released from permafrost. Scientists are concerned about the possibility of a global anthrax outbreak.

Asian tiger mosquito

Malaria has spread in East Africa. North America has been invaded by West Nile and Zika virus infected Asian tiger mosquitoes from Uganda and Southeast Asia. Ticks carrying Powassan virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme disease are on the rise and spreading across the United States.

life stages of deer tick

Lyme disease in particular is a huge issue in the Northeastern United States. I live in an epicenter of Lyme disease. I’ve had Lyme four times, despite taking multiple precautions. Many of my friends and neighbors have had Lyme more than once. Deer ticks, carriers of Lyme, are active any time the temperature is above 32 degrees. It is essential to take precautions when you ae outdoors.